Clothing Sizing Scheme and Clothing Sized Thereto

ABSTRACT

A scheme associates dimensions of a garment with the height and weight of a wearer. The garments are classified according to a sizing scale based upon the scheme. Garments, such as shirts, manufactured in the various sizes of the sizing scale represent a line of clothing having dimensions associated with body characteristics of weight and height of the wearer. The scheme is based upon measurements of subjects divided into narrow ranges according to body type, and the sizing and dimensional tolerances of the garments are determined so as to provide a complementary fit to the wearer.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/400,273, filed Sep. 27, 2016 and hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a scheme for sizing clothing, a sizing scale for clothing, and a line of clothing manufactured in various sizes according to a sizing scheme.

BACKGROUND

Prior art sizing and fitting of clothing, in particular, shirts, suffers from two drawbacks. First, the sizing is based upon coarse population averages and results in the manufacture of clothing which fits a wide range of body types adequately but still neglects large segments of the population who do not fall within the average. The fit of the clothing manufactured according to such coarse averaging is not a priority, and a good fit, one that complements the wearer, is more a matter of luck than picking an appropriate size. Second, the tolerances on the dimensions of mass produced clothing can be as great as +/−0.25 inches. Such loose tolerances are further detrimental to the fit of a shirt or other article of clothing. There is clearly an opportunity to provide mass produced clothing which provide a good fit consistently and for body types which are not well accommodated by mass produced clothing as sized according to the prior art.

SUMMARY

The invention concerns a scheme for associating a plurality of clothing dimensions with body characteristics of a weight and a height of a wearer. In one example embodiment, the scheme comprises a plurality of combinations of weight ranges and height ranges. Each dimension has a tolerance variation no greater than +/−0.125 inches.

In a specific example embodiment, the scheme comprising at least nine combinations of weight ranges and height ranges. By way of example, specific combinations of the scheme may comprise:

-   -   a first slim range wherein the height ranges from 5 feet 6         inches to 5 feet 10 inches and the weight ranges from 125 lbs to         150 lbs;     -   a second slim range wherein the height ranges from 5 feet 9         inches to 6 feet 1 inch and the weight ranges from 145 lbs to         175 lbs;     -   a third slim range wherein the height ranges from 6 feet 0         inches to 6 feet 4 inches and the weight ranges from 160 lbs to         190 lbs;     -   a first fit range wherein the height ranges from 5 feet 6 inches         to 5 feet 10 inches and the weight ranges from 145 lbs to 175         lbs;     -   a second fit range wherein the height ranges from 5 feet 9         inches to 6 feet 1 inch and the weight ranges from 160 lbs to         190 lbs;     -   a third fit range wherein the height ranges from 6 feet 0 inches         to 6 feet 4 inches and the weight ranges from 185 lbs to 215         lbs;     -   a first built range wherein the height ranges from 5 feet 6         inches to 5 feet 10 inches and the weight ranges from 165 lbs to         190 lbs;     -   a second built range wherein the height ranges from 5 feet 9         inches to 6 feet 1 inch and the weight ranges from 185 lbs to         215 lbs;     -   a third built range wherein the height ranges from 6 feet 0         inches to 6 feet 4 inches and the weight ranges from 200 lbs to         235 lbs.

The invention also encompasses a line of clothing having dimensions associated with body characteristics of a weight and a height of a wearer. For an example line of clothing according to the invention, each dimension has a tolerance variation no greater than +/−0.125 inches.

Also included in the invention is a size scale for clothing having dimensions associated with body characteristics of a weight and a height of a wearer. In an example embodiment, each dimension has a tolerance variation no greater than +/−0.125 inches. By way of example, the size scale comprises at least nine combinations of weight ranges and height ranges. In a specific example the combination of sizes comprises:

-   -   a first slim size wherein the height ranges from 5 feet 6 inches         to 5 feet 10 inches and the weight ranges from 125 lbs to 150         lbs;     -   a second slim size wherein the height ranges from 5 feet 9         inches to 6 feet 1 inch and the weight ranges from 145 lbs to         175 lbs;     -   a third slim size wherein the height ranges from 6 feet 0 inches         to 6 feet 4 inches and the weight ranges from 160 lbs to 190         lbs;     -   a first fit size wherein the height ranges from 5 feet 6 inches         to 5 feet 10 inches and the weight ranges from 145 lbs to 175         lbs;     -   a second fit size wherein the height ranges from 5 feet 9 inches         to 6 feet 1 inch and the weight ranges from 160 lbs to 190 lbs;     -   a third fit size wherein the height ranges from 6 feet 0 inches         to 6 feet 4 inches and the weight ranges from 185 lbs to 215         lbs;     -   a first built size wherein the height ranges from 5 feet 6         inches to 5 feet 10 inches and the weight ranges from 165 lbs to         190 lbs;     -   a second built size wherein the height ranges from 5 feet 9         inches to 6 feet 1 inch and the weight ranges from 185 lbs to         215 lbs;     -   a third built size wherein the height ranges from 6 feet 0         inches to 6 feet 4 inches and the weight ranges from 200 lbs to         235 lbs.

The invention further encompasses a device for identifying one of nine shirt sizes appropriate for a wearer having a known weight and height. Shirts associated with the shirt sizes have dimensions associated with a weight and a height of a wearer. Each dimension has a tolerance variation no greater than +/−0.125 inches. Example devices include a chart, computer implemented software, and a simple disk calculator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of an example shirt illustrating sizing parameters according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Table 1 provides a scheme for associating a plurality of clothing dimensions with the body characteristics of height and weight of a wearer.

TABLE 1 Slim Fit Built Height 5′6″-5′10″ 5′9″-6′1″ 6′0″-6′4″ 5′6″-5′10″ 5′9″-6′1″ 6′0″-6′4″ 5′6″-5′10″ 5′9″-6′1″ 6′0″-6′4″ Weight 125-150 145-175 160-190 145-175 160-190 185-215 165-195 185-215 200-235 Sizes Dimensions 1S 2S 3S 1F 2F 3F 1B 2B 3B Shoulder Length (Neck to Seam)  4.5″ 4.75″  5″  5″   5.25″   5.5″ 5″   5.25″   5.5″ Length 26.5″ 27″    27.5″ 26.5″ 27.25″ 28″ 26.5″ 27.25″ 28″ Chest (Underarm) 17″   18″    19″   18.5″ 19.25″ 20″ 19.5″ 20.5″    21.5″ Sleeve Hole Opening  5.5″ 6″     6.5″  6.25″ 6.5″     6.75″   6.875″  7.25″    7.625″ Top Sleeve Length 7″  7.5″  8″   7.5″  7.75″  8″  7.5″ 8″     8.5″ Under Sleeve Length  2.5″ 2.875″  3.25″   2.875″ 3″      3.25″   2.875″  3.25″    3.75″ Sweep Opening (Front Horizontal) 17.5″ 18.5″   19.5″  18.75″ 19.5″    20.25″  19.75″ 20.75″   21.75″ Neck Opening (Width at seam) 8″  8″    8″  8″  8″    8″ 8″  8″    8″ The scheme begins with a size scale comprising at least nine combinations of weight ranges and height ranges. As shown in Table 1, the size scale is divided into three groups, “Slim”, “Fit” and “Built”. Each group is further divided into three sub-groups based upon a height range, measured in feet and inches, and a weight range, measured in pounds (lbs). The sub-group sizes within the Slim group are denoted 1S, 2S and 3S; the sub-group sizes within the Fit group are denoted 1F, 2F and 3F; and the sub-group sizes within the Built group are denoted 1B, 2B and 3B.

As shown in Table 1, specific clothing dimensions are associated with each sub-group size. FIG. 1 provides a definition of these dimensions as they relate to a shirt 10. The dimensions of interest for shirt 10 include:

shoulder length 12 as measured from neck 14 to sleeve seam 16;

shirt length 18;

chest size 20 measured underarms;

sleeve hole opening 22;

top sleeve length 24;

under sleeve length 26;

sweep opening (front horizontal) 28; and

neck opening (width at seam) 30.

Additional dimensions of interest include the neck depth (back collar top to front seam) 32, the collar width 34 and hems (arm and waist, double cover needle stitch) 36. It is expected that the neck opening and neck depth will vary depending on the type of collar. For example, different neck depths may be specified for crew necks, v-necks, Henley and polo neck shirts.

The dimensions in table 1 are provided in inches to significant precision, which is unusual for clothing manufacture. This is advantageous because it ensures that the desired fit among the various sizes in this scheme is achieved. The dimensions are furthermore held to an exacting tolerance of +/−0.125 inches, which is fully half the tolerance range normally associated with clothing manufacture. The tight tolerance is advantageous because it ensures that a line of clothing, as represented by shirt 10, characterized by the size scale 1S, 2S, 3S, 1F, 2F, 3F, 1B, 2B and 3B, associated respectively with the dimensions as provided in the scheme illustrated in Table 1, will provide a consistent and reliable fit among the body types characterized within the “Slim”, “Fit” and “Built” weight and height ranges encompassed by the scheme. It is expected that the dimensional tolerances may also vary as a function of the sizes.

Table 1 constitutes a device for identifying one of nine shirt sizes appropriate for a wearer having a known height and weight encompassed by the scheme according to the invention. A device manifesting the scheme could also take other forms, for example, software implemented on a computer with an associated database incorporating Table 1, or a simpler multi-disk calculator. One method for using the device requires the wearer to find his height and weight among the groups of “Slim”, “Fit” or “Built” and then select a shirt 10 of the appropriate size from among the nine sub-groups.

The dimensions specified for shirt 10 associated with the various sizes of the size scale are the result of extensive measurements of subjects, the goal being to produce a line of clothing, in this example, shirts, where the fit of the garment has priority over other factors such as manufacturability or accommodation of a wide range of body types by a single size. Unlike mass produced clothing of the prior art, the size scale according to the invention and its related scheme associating the clothing dimensions with body characteristics of weight and height as specified in Table 1, are more closely tailored to a plurality of narrower ranges of body types as compared with the more coarse averaging reflecting the sizing of mass produced clothing of the prior art. The scheme and size scale according to the invention thus represent a more refined scale which is expected to provide a more complementary, individualized fit to the wearer. While specific dimensions are provided for a short sleeved “Tee” shirt, the sizing scheme and size scale according to the invention is applicable to other apparel such as long sleeve Tees, sweatshirts (hooded and non-hooded), sweaters (various collars), jackets (zippered and buttoned) and dress shirts. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A scheme for associating a plurality of clothing dimensions with body characteristics of a weight and a height of a wearer, said scheme comprising a plurality of combinations of weight ranges and height ranges, each said dimension having a tolerance variation no greater than +/−0.125 inches.
 2. The scheme according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said combinations comprises a first slim range wherein said height ranges from 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 10 inches and said weight ranges from 125 lbs to 150 lbs.
 3. The scheme according to claim 2, further comprising a second slim range wherein said height ranges from 5 feet 9 inches to 6 feet 1 inch and said weight ranges from 145 lbs to 175 lbs.
 4. The scheme according to claim 3, further comprising a third slim range wherein said height ranges from 6 feet 0 inches to 6 feet 4 inches and said weight ranges from 160 lbs to 190 lbs.
 5. The scheme according to claim 4, further comprising a first fit range wherein said height ranges from 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 10 inches and said weight ranges from 145 lbs to 175 lbs.
 6. The scheme according to claim 5, further comprising a second fit range wherein said height ranges from 5 feet 9 inches to 6 feet 1 inch and said weight ranges from 160 lbs to 190 lbs.
 7. The scheme according to claim 6, further comprising a third fit range wherein said height ranges from 6 feet 0 inches to 6 feet 4 inches and said weight ranges from 185 lbs to 215 lbs.
 8. The scheme according to claim 7, further comprising a first built range wherein said height ranges from 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 10 inches and said weight ranges from 165 lbs to 195 lbs.
 9. The scheme according to claim 8, further comprising a second built range wherein said height ranges from 5 feet 9 inches to 6 feet 1 inch and said weight ranges from 185 lbs to 215 lbs.
 10. The scheme according to claim 9, further comprising a third built range wherein said height ranges from 6 feet 0 inches to 6 feet 4 inches and said weight ranges from 200 lbs to 235 lbs.
 11. The scheme according to claim 2, further comprising dimensions of a shirt associate with said first slim range, said dimensions being selected from the group consisting of a shoulder length being 4.5 inches, a length being 26.5 inches, a chest size being 17 inches, a sleeve hole opening being 5.5 inches, a top sleeve length being 7 inches, an undersleeve length being 2.5 inches, a sweep opening being 17.5 inches, and combinations thereof.
 12. The scheme according to claim 3, further comprising dimensions of a shirt associate with said second slim range, said dimensions being selected from the group consisting of a shoulder length being 4.75 inches, a length being 27 inches, a chest size being 18 inches, a sleeve hole opening being 6 inches, a top sleeve length being 7.5 inches, an undersleeve length being 2.875 inches, a sweep opening being 18.5 inches, and combinations thereof.
 13. The scheme according to claim 4, further comprising dimensions of a shirt associate with said third slim range, said dimensions being selected from the group consisting of a shoulder length being 5 inches, a length being 27.5 inches, a chest size being 19 inches, a sleeve hole opening being 6.5 inches, a top sleeve length being 8 inches, an undersleeve length being 3.25 inches, a sweep opening being 19.5 inches, and combinations thereof.
 14. The scheme according to claim 5, further comprising dimensions of a shirt associate with said first fit range, said dimensions being selected from the group consisting of a shoulder length being 5 inches, a length being 26.5 inches, a chest size being 18.5 inches, a sleeve hole opening being 6.25 inches, a top sleeve length being 7.5 inches, an undersleeve length being 2.875 inches, a sweep opening being 18.75 inches, and combinations thereof.
 15. The scheme according to claim 6, further comprising dimensions of a shirt associate with said second fit range, said dimensions being selected from the group consisting of a shoulder length being 5.25 inches, a length being 27.25 inches, a chest size being 19.25 inches, a sleeve hole opening being 6.5 inches, a top sleeve length being 7.75 inches, an undersleeve length being 3 inches, a sweep opening being 19.5 inches, and combinations thereof.
 16. The scheme according to claim 7, further comprising dimensions of a shirt associate with said third fit range, said dimensions being selected from the group consisting of a shoulder length being 5.5 inches, a length being 28 inches, a chest size being 20 inches, a sleeve hole opening being 6.75 inches, a top sleeve length being 8 inches, an undersleeve length being 3.25 inches, a sweep opening being 20.25 inches, and combinations thereof.
 17. The scheme according to claim 8, further comprising dimensions of a shirt associate with said first built range, said dimensions being selected from the group consisting of a shoulder length being 5 inches, a length being 26.5 inches, a chest size being 19.5 inches, a sleeve hole opening being 6.875 inches, a top sleeve length being 7.5 inches, an undersleeve length being 2.875 inches, a sweep opening being 19.75 inches, and combinations thereof.
 18. The scheme according to claim 9, further comprising dimensions of a shirt associate with said second built range, said dimensions being selected from the group consisting of a shoulder length being 5.25 inches, a length being 27.25 inches, a chest size being 20.5 inches, a sleeve hole opening being 7.25 inches, a top sleeve length being 8 inches, an undersleeve length being 3.25 inches, a sweep opening being 20.75 inches, and combinations thereof.
 19. The scheme according to claim 10, further comprising dimensions of a shirt associate with said third built range, said dimensions being selected from the group consisting of a shoulder length being 5.5 inches, a length being 28 inches, a chest size being 21.5 inches, a sleeve hole opening being 7.625 inches, a top sleeve length being 8.5 inches, an undersleeve length being 3.75 inches, a sweep opening being 21.75 inches, and combinations thereof.
 20. The scheme according to claim 10, further comprising dimensions of a shirt associated with any one of said first, second and third slim ranges, said first, second and third fit ranges, and said first, second and third built ranges, said dimensions being selected from the group consisting of a neck opening being 8 inches, a back collar top to front seam depth being 5 inches, and combinations thereof.
 21. The scheme according to claim 1, wherein said scheme is manifest on a chart associating said clothing dimensions with said body characteristics of said weight and said height of said wearer.
 22. The scheme according to claim 1, wherein said scheme is manifest in a database associating said clothing dimensions with said body characteristics of said weight and said height of said wearer. 23-102. (canceled) 